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Why is my dog snorting loudly and acting like he can't breathe?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 7 months and 12 days old | 9 lbs

Louis got neutered on July 2nd, I bought him an inflatable donut to wear. There is alittle redness around the incision, though he's very playful. This morning, I woke up to him snorting air in through is nose loudly. I took the donut off and checked his gums and touge, they were both pale. I sat with him to calm him down for about 10 minutes before it passed. Then his gums and touge regained their color and he started acting normal. Occasionally he'll still snort air like he's having trouble.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2019

He most likely has reverse sneezing. Look up some YouTube videos of dogs reverse sneezing. See if it looks like it’s the same thing. If so, it is nothing to worry about and has nothing to do with the surgery or the donut he’s wearing. The surgery appears to be healing just fine.

Hooe this helps. Best wishes.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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